Western Railway on Monday cleared nearly 1,500 square meters of encroached railway land between Goregaon and Malad stations after receiving permission from the Bombay High Court to proceed with the demolition of illegal structures built on railway property. Railway officials said the operation was conducted peacefully, and the reclaimed land has now been secured to prevent further encroachment.

The demolition drive was carried out along the eastern side of the Goregaon–Malad railway section between kilometer markers 28/3 and 28/6. The areas covered during the operation included locations near Chincholi Phatak, Haji Bapu Road, Dhobi Ghat, and Govind Nagar in Malad East. Authorities said the action was part of efforts to clear railway land required for operational safety and infrastructure management.

According to railway officials, a total of 36 permanent structures and 24 temporary structures were demolished during the exercise. Heavy machinery and railway protection personnel were deployed to ensure smooth execution of the operation. Officials added that adequate precautions were taken during the drive to maintain law and order and minimize disruption in the surrounding areas.

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The action followed a February 26, 2026, order issued by the Bombay High Court in Writ Petition (L) No. 4938 of 2026 and several related petitions filed by residents occupying the land. The petitioners had sought protection against the proposed demolition and challenged the eviction process, arguing against the removal of the structures. However, the court allowed railway authorities to proceed with the clearance operation in accordance with legal procedures.

Encroachment on railway land has remained a recurring issue in Mumbai due to rapid urbanization and housing shortages in densely populated areas. Railway authorities have repeatedly stated that such encroachments pose safety risks and obstruct infrastructure development and maintenance work. Western Railway said the reclaimed land will now remain under protection, while officials continue monitoring other vulnerable stretches to prevent future illegal occupation.

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